Introduction
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India vs New Zealand was a high-stakes match that tested the mettle of both teams. While Rohit Sharma’s explosive 76 and Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant spell grabbed headlines, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s match-winning partnership played an equally crucial role in India’s triumph.
When India vs New Zealand live match was in a tense situation, these two unsung heroes held their nerve, guiding the India national cricket team to a well-earned Champions Trophy 2025 title.
This article explores how Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s steady partnership helped India cross the finish line, their performances under pressure, and why they deserve more credit for this historic victory.
A Rocky Chase: When India Needed a Savior
Chasing 252 in the India vs New Zealand final match, India started strong with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s opening partnership. However, things took a dramatic turn when:
- Gill was dismissed by Mitchell Santner after scoring 37 runs.
- Michael Bracewell trapped Virat Kohli lbw for just 1 run, leaving India at 105/2.
- Rohit Sharma was stumped off Rachin Ravindra’s delivery for 76, making it 122/3.
At this point, India vs New Zealand final 2025 had turned into a tense battle. The well-set Indian top order collapsed, and pressure mounted on the middle order. This is where Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul stepped up.
Shreyas Iyer: The Middle-Order Rock
1. Calm Under Pressure
With India losing three wickets in quick succession, Shreyas Iyer walked in at No. 4 when New Zealand had gained momentum.
- Instead of panicking, he played with a calm and composed mindset, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
- His 48 off 55 balls might not seem extraordinary, but it was exactly what India needed at that stage.
2. Handling New Zealand’s Spin Attack
New Zealand’s spinners, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner, had troubled the Indian batsmen. However, Iyer played them with ease, using his feet to counter spin and find gaps.
- He punished the loose deliveries, hitting crucial boundaries when the run rate slowed down.
- He played the sweep and inside-out shots brilliantly, ensuring New Zealand couldn’t build more pressure.
3. Partnership with KL Rahul
The turning point of the match was the crucial 74-run partnership between Iyer and KL Rahul, which steadied India’s chase.
- They rotated the strike effectively, denying New Zealand any more quick wickets.
- Their ability to soak pressure in a high-stakes final was remarkable.
By the time Iyer got out at 196/4, India was well on course for victory.
KL Rahul: The Cool Finisher
1. Holding His Ground Under Immense Pressure
Unlike previous ICC knockout games where India’s middle order crumbled, KL Rahul played a composed and calculated innings, ensuring no further collapse.
- 34 off 39 balls might not be flashy, but it was invaluable.*
- He absorbed pressure while Iyer took charge, ensuring a smooth chase.
- He resisted the temptation to play rash shots, knowing India needed a finisher.
2. Keeping the Scoreboard Moving
A key reason why India didn’t struggle in the final overs was Rahul’s ability to rotate the strike and keep scoring singles and twos.
- He didn’t let the required run rate climb too high, avoiding unnecessary risks.
- Even as New Zealand’s pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult bowled aggressively, Rahul played them with caution and ensured India was never in danger.
3. The Winning Moment
With just six runs needed off the last two overs, KL Rahul hit the winning runs, sealing India’s third ICC Champions Trophy title.
His calm, mature, and responsible batting under pressure showcased why he is one of India’s most dependable batsmen.
Why Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul Were the Real Match-Winners
1. Prevented a Middle-Order Collapse
- After India lost three quick wickets, Iyer and Rahul absorbed the pressure and took India closer to victory.
- If either of them had gotten out early, India could have struggled to chase the target.
2. Smart Shot Selection & Game Awareness
- Unlike reckless batting seen in previous ICC finals, Iyer and Rahul played according to the situation.
- They focused on rotating strike, avoided unnecessary risks, and capitalized on loose deliveries.
3. Batted Deep Into the Innings
- Iyer took charge in the middle overs, ensuring that India didn’t lose further wickets.
- Rahul finished the match, a role that India had struggled with in past ICC finals.
How This Performance Elevates Iyer and Rahul’s Careers
1. Redemption for KL Rahul
KL Rahul has often faced criticism for not delivering in ICC knockout matches. However, his calm and composed innings in the ICC Champions Trophy final proved his worth as a match-winner.
- His ability to stay at the crease under pressure makes him an ideal finisher for India.
- This innings might mark a turning point in his career, establishing him as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batsmen.
2. Shreyas Iyer’s Role in India’s Future ICC Campaigns
With his solid technique against spin and pace, Iyer has cemented his place as India’s No. 4 batsman in ODIs.
- His ability to anchor the innings and play spin effectively makes him a key asset for future ICC tournaments.
- With this match-winning knock, Iyer has proved his ability to perform under pressure in knockout games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many runs did Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul score in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final?
- Shreyas Iyer scored 48 off 55 balls.
- KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34 off 39 balls*.
2. What was the partnership between Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul?
They shared a crucial 74-run partnership, which helped stabilize India’s chase after losing three quick wickets.
3. How did KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer contribute to India’s victory?
- Iyer steadied the innings and kept the scoreboard moving.
- Rahul ensured India didn’t collapse in the final overs and finished the match calmly.
4. Why was KL Rahul’s innings so important?
Rahul’s calm and composed batting ensured India didn’t face a sudden collapse like in previous ICC knockout games. His finishing ability sealed India’s victory.
5. Where was the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final played?
The final was held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE.
Conclusion: The Unsung Heroes of India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Victory
While Rohit Sharma’s explosive start and Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling made headlines, it was Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s steady partnership that truly won the India vs New Zealand final match. Their ability to handle pressure, rotate strike, and finish the game calmly proved why they are crucial to India’s success in ICC tournaments.
This victory not only added India’s third ICC Champions Trophy title but also showcased the emergence of Iyer and Rahul as dependable middle-order batsmen for the future. 🏆🔥
With these two players delivering in a high-pressure ICC final, India has found the perfect combination for middle-order stability in future tournaments. 🚀
